Technologically Advanced Methods to Learn Japanese in 2010

Not only is the year 2010 the beginning of a new decade, but it is also the start date of your New Year's resolutions. Instead of purchasing a new gym membership or joining that community college course, try something new for a change and learn a foreign language. In recent years, Japanese has shown to be advantageous in the business world and it also can stimulate new interests for 2010. Do not worry, 2010 is all about dropping those books and getting out into nature; hence, the United Nations has claimed this year the International Year of Biodiversity. Thanks to technology one can help save biodiversity and learn Japanese all at the same time.

Here are my favorite new technology methods for keeping up or learning Japanese in 2010:

1. Podcasts: Podcasts are a series of pre-recorded media files that can be used on ipod, cell phones and/or personal computers. Although podcasts are not 100 percent new to 2010, there are a larger number of podcasts that are reaching the internet for free usage. Some of my favorites come from YouTube and iTunes. There is a large range of levels from beginner to advanced on these two sites that will assist in learning Japanese. I have heard some really good reviews from friends of Japanese Pod 101, which is a free service.

2. Cellular Phone Applications:Apps are generally new to most people, especially those people that just got a brand new cellular phone from Santa in 2009. Most applications are available for a small free however these can assist those busy people to learn a new language. For instance, Blackberry has a new application called "Pocket Kanji" for more intermediate users, "Nihon Go" for beginners, and many more fun applications that are available for a small fee. Although I personally have a blackberry storm, I have read that there are many different Japanese learning apps for the iphone also. Please see Mr. Bass for more information and ideas.

3. Nintendo DS: This is something that I can not live without anymore. In 2009 I received a Nintendo DS for my anniversary present and I truly fell in love with the system. There are many different games that can be purchased for usage in learning Japanese. My Japanese level is a bit higher seeing that I used to live in Japan and have two degrees in it; hence, I turn to the internet to purchase games from Japan. Thanks to the wonderful World Wide Web I have been able to purchase a few wonderful games that assist in keeping my Japanese in order and to assist my beginner husband. Some of my favorites are My Japanese Coach, Kanken Deluxe Version and Travel Quiz. There are many more on the market and can be purchased mostly online, please note most stores in smaller cities do not carry Japanese versions.

4. Cellular Phone Web Options: After receiving my Blackberry Storm I was skeptical of how much I was going to use the internet. Thankfully I again fell in love with the internet on my cellular phone. There are many websites that work with a mobile device that has a connection to the internet, not just the Blackberry. Since Japanese has seen a large increase of students over the last ten years, I generally thank the increase of available manga and anime in common stores, websites are popping up daily that teach native English speakers how to learn Japanese. Three of my favorite sites are Denshi Jisho, NHK World and Smart FM.

5. Japanese Music: Total immersion into Japanese is a great method to learn Japanese without really having to work too hard to study. I am a loyal Jpop lover and can not get enough of Japanese music. Lately I have noticed that there are a lot of videos on YouTube and can be purchased online at iTunes. In addition, there are many websites that allow for non-Japanese citizens to purchase music from Japan. Some of these sites are Amazon, JPopHelp, and my favorite which I purchase from all the time is YesAsia.

6. Japanese Movie, Anime and Dramas: There are a large percentage of people, especially those surrounding universities in America that have fallen in love with Japanese cinema. Unlike a lot of popular American movies and television series running right now, Japanese movies and drama are usually very clean cut and appropriate for all ages. It is important to read reviews of each one before you purchase though since there are some not so appropriate for all ages. Many other sites are available online that allow a small fee for watching these types of media online which have English subtitles to help along with understanding what is going on if you are not fluent yet.

7. Twitter/Blog/Vlog in Japanese: The more you use Japanese the more it will grow on you while increasing in power. Many foreigners from around the world are online daily writing and vlogging in Japanese. For instance, I love to watch YouTube Vlogs of people living over in Japan that are trying to learn Japanese. These vloggers will speak in both Japanese and English while telling about their daily life. As I do, I highly suggest writing as much as possible either from your cell phone or computer using popular websites such s Twitter, Facebook, You Tube and so on.